The Union Finance Ministry in consultation with tax experts is drafting a new Direct Tax Code which was likely to be ready by October, advisor to the Finance Ministry Parthasarathi Shome said today.

The main objective of drafting the new code was to make the law simple and easy for taxpayers' while bringing in major policy changes regarding corporate taxation, non-resident taxation, SEZ exemption, EET method of taxation and many more, he said while inaugurating the 97th annual general body meeting of the Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry here.

The new tax code would be tabled for discussion in Parliament to replace the existing Income Tax Act, which had become complicated with the amendments made every year that it could only be comprehended by tax professionals and practitioners, he added.

The whole emphasis would be to make the new code short and light by removing redundant provisions and complex tax slang, he said adding that the Union Government had already invited suggestions from various Chambers and Tax Experts in connection with the implementation of the new tax code.